Chelsey Gardner's story

Endometriosis has affected my life in a big way. Since the age of 14 I have suffered with excruciating pain and heavy bleeding. At the age of 14 I was put on the Pill, which helped with the bleeding, but not the pain, and a few years later the pain was put down to IBS, which I believe is a very common mistake.

Approximately 11 years ago I went to see a consultant about infertility, and was told I had a hostile uterus. Treatment was due to start, but a miracle happened and I conceived my son naturally in 2000. Five years ago I went back to see the same consultant, again about infertility, and I went through many tests again.

I happened to mention about the pain and heavy periods and asked about the possibility of endometriosis. I was told it was highly unlikely, and that I should stop reading books that give me these ideas.

"Even though it has

taken many years,

I’m finally getting

somewhere"

After another few months I bought up the subject again, and the consultant agreed to a laparoscopy. Within minutes of coming round, it was confirmed I had this disease!! Six months later the symptoms returned and I was experiencing terrible pain when I opened my bowels too.

I tried a six month course of Zoladex, which despite the hot flushes and moods, was bliss as I had no periods and no pain. Again, the symptoms returned pretty quickly, and my consultant ran out of options, so referred me to a brilliant consultant, who specialiss in

endometriosis. I had MRI scans, and another lap a month ago, and it was confirmed I now had recto-vaginal endo, and also some on my left ovary and on the wall of my pelvis. At last I felt I was getting somewhere, and with this new consultant I had never felt more confident. Unfortunately, I now have to have major surgery, with two bowel surgeons present, but I’m feeling better about things, and feel I may actually have a chance of a normal life for the first time in years.

My husband and parents have been a major support, even though I know it can be so hard for them to see me in so much pain, and feel so helpless. I try and be brave, and not let it get to me, and not show those around me (especially my son) how debilitating it is, but sometimes that’s not possible. My work has been brilliant, and because I was open and honest about it from my first interview, they have been a great support.

I'm feeling positive about the future, and even though it has taken many years, I’m finally getting somewhere.